Lionel Messi’s heir? Inter Miami superstar names Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal as the ‘present & future’ of world football

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is now 37 years of age and approaching the end of a remarkable career. He is expected to play on through to the 2026 World Cup, but the day is approaching when record-shattering boots need to be hung up for the last time.

Eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo is in a similar position, as he prepares to turn 40 in February 2025, meaning that a new generation of talent needs to rise to the top of the global game. There are many exciting prospects seemingly ready to take that step.

Quizzed by renowed artist Goke Oyewo on who reminds him most of himself, with the potential there to become another all-time great, Messi said at an adidas event in Germany: "There's a very good generation of young footballers who have many years ahead of them.

"If I have to choose someone, because of the age and because of the future that he has, I’ve heard that they have chosen Lamine Yamal and without doubt [it's him] for me too. I agree it depends on him and many things because that's how soccer is, but he's the present and without a doubt has a huge future."

Yamal has been rewriting the history books, having made a senior breakthrough at the age of 16. He already has La Liga and European Championship honours to his name, with Barca and Spain, while also landing the prestigious Golden Boy award in 2024.